2013 hyundai veloster Model Overview

Overall Rating:

StarStarStarNo-StarNo-Star

3 of 5

Sum Up

StarStarStarNo-StarNo-Star

The 2013 Hyundai Veloster is now in its second model year and it remains to be seen whether the unusual design while have significant lasting appeal. It is a difficult vehicle to categorize, and while technically classified as a coupe, it is almost long enough to be a hatchback. As a result of its crossover design, much of the appeal of the 2013 Hyundai Veloster is simply that there is no car that looks even remotely like it. Hyundai offers a base trim and an upgraded Turbo trim, both of which offer strong fuel economy, decent power, and a great deal of features.

New For 2013

The Veloster arrived last year as a funky hatch with a rear door only on the passenger side. For 2013, a turbo engine with an extra 63 hp and 72 lb-ft of torque has been added to the option list. Veloster Turbos also get a quicker steering ratio. HID headlamps and LED tail lamps are unique to the turbo; heated leather seats are standard.

Exterior

Depending on one’s taste, the exterior of the 2013 Hyundai Veloster is either one of the car’s greatest selling points or a true deal breaker. Hyundai took a great risk with the design, which looks like a stretched out coupe. Still, the three doors plant the car in the coupe category and its sporty design should appeal to the coupe demographic. The 2013 Hyundai Veloster has a lip spoiler and the base trim has 17-inch wheels. Meanwhile, the wheels on the Turbo trim are 18-inch and will hold greater appeal for those looking for an even sportier look.

Interior & Cargo

The interior of the 2013 Hyundai Veloster is not the most elegant design on the market, although Hyundai makes up for this with a wealth of amenities and a roomy front row. Passengers in the front will appreciate the 43.9 inches of leg room. As with any coupe, rear leg room is not spacious, although it is surprisingly large compared with the competition. Even so, the 31.7 inches is likely to leave rear passengers uncomfortable for anything longer than the shortest rides. The cargo capacity of the 2013 Hyundai Veloster is particularly strong for a sports coupe. The car offers 15.5 cubic feet of luggage space, and a total cargo capacity of 34.7 cubic feet. Even if it does not offer quite enough room for rear passengers to ride comfortably, those needing to haul substantial amounts of luggage should certainly consider the 2013 Hyundai Veloster.

One of the prime selling points for the 2013 Hyundai Veloster is the many interior features, including a good many that arrive standard on the Base trim. Considering that the 2013 Hyundai Veloster begins at just over $18,000, it is one of the best values in its category. Power windows and doors are standard on the Base trim, as well as an exterior temperature display. Hyundai offers many entertainment features that will appeal to the youthful buyer demographic, including MP3 capability, RCA inputs, Bluetooth capability, and a Gracenote music system that allows passengers to verbally request music. Other features include an LCD screen in the front, as well as map lights. Ultimately, the Turbo is likely the better option as the cost differential is relatively small and the Turbo comes with leather seats, in addition to larger wheels. There are a number of optional upgrades as well, including a sunroof and navigation system. The benefit to the low cost is that drivers can customize their 2013 Hyundai Veloster with all of the options they desire.

Safety

The 2013 Hyundai Veloster offers six airbags, a stability system, and traction control. Those who do a lot of city driving may want to spring for the optional rear camera. Hyundai also offers a strong security system that includes a panic alarm and stolen vehicle tracking.

Driving Experience

The driving experience of the 2013 Hyundai Veloster is not as polished as more upscale coupes, but it handles adequately for an entry-level sports car. Steering is not terribly responsive, and the car can be cumbersome to maneuver. The quality of the driving experience varies greatly between the Base trim and the Turbo. Both offer a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine, although the Turbo offers more horsepower. Where the Base has 138 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque, the Turbo possesses a full 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Both trims offer front engine front-wheel drive. One of the benefits to the car being a bit underpowered is that it offers very strong fuel economy. Drivers can expect to receive an estimated 25-29/34-40 mpg city/highway, making the car an excellent choice for those with substantial commutes. While it is likely not the best choice for families, single adults of young couples will likely appreciate the sporty design and environmentally sound fuel economy.

Both trims of the 2013 Hyundai Veloster have a six-speed, manual transmission that includes overdrive, although the lack of an automatic option is unlikely to deter any prospective buyers of the sports coupe. The acceleration totals are not strong for a sports car although not terrible when compared with its competition in the entry sports coupe class. From a standing still, it is estimated that the 2013 Hyundai Veloster will go from zero to 60 in between 7.2 to 8.8 seconds.

Key Competitors For The 2013 Hyundai Veloster

2013 Hyundai Veloster Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$18,850

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$13,700

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.